Healing One Pot Chicken Orzo Soup
This comforting soup combines tender chicken, hearty orzo, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast, boneless and skinless Feel free to substitute with rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- 1 cup Orzo pasta Can be swapped with whole wheat or gluten-free orzo.
- 2 Carrots, diced Substitute with parsnips for a unique flavor twist.
- 2 stalks Celery, diced Try fennel for a different flavor.
- 1 Onion, diced Shallots can also be a lovely substitute!
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Shallots can work nicely if you’ve run out of garlic.
- 6 cups Chicken broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
- 2 cups Spinach, fresh Kale works well as a heartier alternative.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Use butter for a richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Consider fresh thyme for a more fragrant experience.
- Salt and pepper Essential for bringing out the flavors; season to taste.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until they soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, followed by the chicken breast. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until slightly browned.
- Add your chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Once the broth is simmering, add the orzo, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and cook for another 10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
- Just before serving, fold in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
For a festive twist, add diced tomatoes and a splash of lemon juice. You can incorporate diced bacon or sausage for a richer flavor. Herb lovers can mix in fresh parsley, dill, or basil right before serving.